Looking for a good place to eat that your kids will enjoy too? Hill parents vouched for every restaurant on this list. In many cases they expounded on a restaurant’s merits—and those comments are included.
Friends and neighbors cited a number of factors in whether a restaurant can be called kid-friendly: table size (because kids may throw things, and you need extra space for gear); noise level (loud enough to cover for kids’ “exuberance”); availability of high chairs; and finally and crucially, the “stink-eye” factor (self-explanatory).
This list is organized by type of cuisine. Each entry answersthe question “What makes it good for kids?”
Note: This compilation is never final—it will be modified asnew information comes in. If you have something to say about kid-friendlyrestaurants on the Hill, email me at cory@capitolhillkid.com.
American
Hawk ‘n’ Dove
“Hawk ‘n’ Dove is basically a Washington monument.”
- 329 Pennsylvania Ave SE
- Brunch (weekends), lunch and dinner
- Table service; indoor and outdoor seating
- https://www.hawkndovebardc.com/
What Makes It Good for Kids?
Hawk ‘n’ Dove is a large restaurant with generous tablesizes and a moderate noise level. It has burgers and pizza on the menu andcrayons and drawing pads for entertainment.
Neighbors Say …
“Hawk ‘n’ Dove is extremely welcoming to our 4-year-old. We usually grab a booth away from everyone so we’re not bothering the bar-goers. They have crayons, drawing pads, and will bring out kid-friendly cups for whatever you order.” –Allison
Mr. Henry’s
“Mr. Henry’s Restaurant is a Capitol Hill tradition, offering classic American fare, private upstairs dining room and live music.”
- 601 Pennsylvania Ave SE
- Brunch (weekends), lunch and dinner
- Table service; indoor and outdoor seating
- http://www.mrhenrysdc.com/
What Makes It Good for Kids?
Among other kid-friendly options on the menu, they have a mac and cheese that looksexactly like the boxed one we make at home. You can count on the wait staff at Mr. Henry’s to be friendly to your family. Your server might bring your kids a froggy tabletop game.
Ted’s Bulletin
“We are your neighborhoodrestaurant, serving up modern American food and drink—from all-day breakfast tofine lunches, dinners, desserts, inspired co*cktails and weekend brunch.”
- 505 8th St SE
- All-day breakfast, lunch and dinner
- Table service; indoor and outdoor seating
- https://www.tedsbulletin.com/
What Makes It Good for Kids?
Ted’s Bulletin is made for families. The regular menu has plenty of appealing options, and for smaller appetites, there is a $6 kids’ menu. Kids of all ages love the milkshakes. Little kids like the crayons.
Neighbors Say …
“Ted’s Bulletin isgreat for families with kids of all ages. My teens go there alone now fordinners with their friends and have had great experiences.” – Satu
“Kids can be themselvesand it’s not frowned upon.” –Meg
“Ted’s restaurants arethe kid friendliest, from the treats to the food and the toys to the silentmovies they have playing.” –Maria
Tune Inn
“The Tune Inn has divebar cred in spades: Opened on Capitol Hill in 1947 and currently owned by thethird generation of the Nardelli family, the Tune Inn starts serving breakfastand cold beers daily at 8 a.m.” –TheWashington Post
- 331 Pennsylvania Ave SE
- Breakfast, lunch and dinner
- Table service; indoor and outdoor seating
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Tune-Inn-Restaurant-Bar/118011451549614
What Makes It Good for Kids?
The Tune Inn is an unpretentious place that serveskid-friendly food such as waffles, mini cheeseburgers and mozzarella sticks.
Neighbors Say …
“My kids love itthere. We usually go on Sundays after church. They hang up kids’ art in thebar, which makes them feel special. Jamie is our regular server.” –Katie
Tunnicliff’s Tavern
“A tavern in thetruest sense of the word: Tunnicliff’s is the gathering place on the Hill,serving up cold beer and great food.”
- 222 7th St SE
- Breakfast/brunch (weekends); lunch and dinner
- Table service; indoor and outdoor seating
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/tunnicliffs
What Makes It Good for Kids?
Tunnicliff’s Tavern is a real neighborhood restaurant wherefamilies feel comfortable. The dining room is spacious, the service isfriendly, the regular menu has many options and the kids’ menu is cheap.
Neighbors Say …
“Tunnicliff’s has agreat kids’ menu, and the staff is kind and respectful of children. Plenty ofhigh chairs are available too.” –Maria
“Tunnicliff’s: $5 kidsmeals!” –Katie
Trusty’s
“Trusty’s Full-Serve: Friendly and reliable, comfortable and convenient. Enjoy old filling station décor, TVs and board games among neighbors and friends.”
- 1420 Pennsylvania Ave SE
- Brunch/lunch (weekends), dinner
- Table service; indoor and outdoor seating
- http://www.trustysfullserve.com/
What Makes It Good for Kids?
This neighborhood joint has welcoming service and plenty ofkid-friendly food and games.
Neighbors Say …
“Board games, burgers and beer. Winner all around.” –Katie
Asian
Chiko
“Chefs Danny Lee andScott Drewno pair modern cooking techniques with traditional Chinese and Koreanflavors, while Drew Kim provides his passion for hospitality ensuring a uniquedining experience.”
- 423 8th St SE
- Dinner
- Counter service; indoor seating
- http://chikodc.com/
What Makes It Goodfor Kids?
Chiko offers a kids’ platter with tempura chicken bits, steamed rice with butter and seasonal fruit with sorbet. The atmosphere is very casual and the service is friendly.
Neighbors Say …
“ Chiko is very kid friendly in that they have a great kids’ meal and high chairs, they are so nice to kids even if they are throwing food or yelling, and you don’t have to wait long for food. We go to Chiko frequently for Friday night dinner and there are always multiple tables with small children.” –Meg
Bakeries, Cafes and Coffeeshops
Hill Café
“Coffee and sandwichesshop in Washington.”
- 101 15th St NE
- Breakfast and lunch
- Counter service; indoor and outdoor seating
- https://loafcoffeeundernewownershipnov12018.business.site/
What Makes It Good for Kids?
This mom-and-pop has kid-friendly breakfast foods, pastries and sandwiches.
Neighbors Say …
“The Hill Café hassurprisingly delicious breakfasts and lunches if you want a casual, quickspot.” –Monica
Le Pain Quotidien
“Le Pain Quotidienmeans the daily bread. And to us, that means everything. It’s much more thanmere sustenance; it’s a way of life.”
- 660 Pennsylvania Ave SE
- Breakfast/brunch, lunch and dinner
- Table service; indoor and outdoor seating
- https://www.lepainquotidien.com/us/en/locations/capitol_hill/660-pennsylvania-ave-se?
What Makes It Good for Kids?
LPQ has kid-friendly menu options such as pancakes, pastries, oatmeal, sandwiches and soup.
Neighbors Say …
“Does not have a kidmenu but there is kid-friendly food. The staff is nice. Has high chairs andcoloring mats with crayons.” –Sergio
Pretzel Bakery
“The Pretzel Bakeryserves small batch, hand-rolled, Philadelphia-style soft pretzelsfresh-out-of-the-oven all day.”
- 257 15th St SE
- Pretzels served 7 a.m.-6 p.m. weekdays, 8 a.m.-5p.m. weekends
- Counter service, indoor and outdoor seating
- http://thepretzelbakery.com/
What Makes It Good for Kids?
Salted pretzels. Cinnamon-glazed pretzels. Breakfast slider pretzels. Nutella-filled Pretzel Bomb.
Neighbors Say …
“The Pretzel Bakerywins on all levels for being full of families with kid-centric food with spaceto run and minimal wait times.” –Meg
Whole Foods Cafés
“We seek out thefinest natural and organic foods available, maintain the strictest qualitystandards in the industry, and have an unshakeable commitment to sustainableagriculture.”
- Two Hill locations: 600 H St NE and 101 H St SE
- Breakfast, lunch and dinner
- Buffet; indoor seating
- https://www.wholefoodsmarket.com/
What Makes It Good for Kids?
Whole Foods offers a variety of healthy prepared foods.
Neighbors Say …
“The cafés at bothHill Whole Foods are easy kid options in that everyone in the family can pickwhat they want to eat.” –Meg
Beer Gardens
Bardo Brewing
“Open-air beer garden has plenty of room for adults, kids and dogs to run wild.” —Eater DC
- 25 Potomac Ave SE
- Beer only. Open 5 p.m. Monday-Thursday, 1 p.m. Friday-Sunday, and two hours before Nats or DC United Games
- Bar service, outdoor seating
- http://bardo.beer/
What Makes It Good for Kids
Bardo Brewing is a kid- and dog-friendly beer garden in a large grassy area with picnic tables. No food is served, but you can bring in your own. They recently set up a shaded sandbox for kids. There is also cornhole and river views.
The Brig
“Year-round tavernfeaturing liters of German brews, plus eats such as bratwurst and pretzels.”
- 1007 8th St SE
- Lunch (weekends), dinner
- Table service; outdoor seating
- http://www.thebrigdc.com/
What Makes It Good for Kids?
The Brig is a kid- and dog-friendly outdoor beer garden. It often has live music. The menu includes soft pretzels, nachos, hummus and burgers. Caveat: Can get loud and crowded.
Neighbors Say …
“We love the Brig beergarden. My 4-year-old loves playing in the rocks and seeing the dogs. They haveburgers and fries and chicken fingers. It’s a great outside option!” –Katharine
Belgian
Granville Moore’s
“A cozy tavern with ahealthy Belgian fetish.”
- 1238 H St NE
- Brunch (weekends), dinner
- Table service; indoor seating
- http://www.granvillemoores.com/
What Makes It Good for Kids?
Granville’s has a new kids’ menu featuring mac and cheese,burgers, panini and chicken strips for $8 plus free dessert.
Neighbors Say:
“They have a kids menu(new, beginning in January of this year) and upstairs spaces large enough forbig families. The servers were extremely accommodating to my large family, andthere was another large family with kids adjacent to us when we dined therelast month on a Friday night.” –Jade
British Pub
Queen Vic
“Dark-wood, OldEnglish pub with a traditional British menu and a tuck shop with imported U.K.staples.”
- 1206 H St NE
- Brunch (weekends), dinner
- Table service, indoor seating
- https://www.thequeenvicdc.com/
What Makes It Good for Kids?
Kids enjoy the fun atmosphere at Queen Vic and are likely tofind something yummy on the menu.
Neighbors Say …
“Upstairs at Queen Vic. Slightly more interesting food options for kids (what child turns up their nose at bangers and mash??) and more adventurous fare for the grownups (made-from-scratch pot pie is clutch if you can get one before they sell out!), and if you sit by the window, kids can look down at H St and watch the streetcar go by. Loud enough that noisy kids aren’t a nuisance to others. And they’ve definitely seen adults make a bigger mess than your 2-year-old. Another regular go-to.” –Jenny
Food Hall
Union Market
“Union Market is theepicenter of culinary creativity in DC with over 40 local vendors and much moreto come.”
- 1309 5th St NE
- Breakfast/brunch, lunch and dinner
- Counter service; indoor and outdoor seating
- https://unionmarketdc.com/
What Makes It Good for Kids?
This huge, energetic food hall has an abundant variety ofchoices. When it’s not too crowded, there is space for kids explore.
Neighbors Say …
“I like to take mykids to Union Market at 8:30 a.m., when it’s empty and great to run around.”–Monica
Irish/Sports Bar
Finn McCool’s
“A sports bar on Barracks Row that honors our troops in the armed forces.”
- 713 8th St SE
- Brunch (weekends), lunch and dinner
- Table service; indoor and outdoor seating
- http://finnmccoolsthehill.com/
What Makes It Good for Kids?
Sports-loving moms and dads love Finn’s for the 15 big-screen TVs, and kids are always welcome. A “cadets” kids’ menu is available for brunch, lunch and dinner. Kids get animal-themed kid cups along with crayons and coloring sheet.
Italian
Lavagna
“Lavagna is aneighborhood gathering place where you’ll always find delicious food and thebest of company.”
- 539 8th St SE
- Brunch (weekends), dinner
- Table service, indoor seating
- https://www.lavagnadc.com/
What Makes It Good for Kids?
Kids like pasta, but if the menu choices are too complicated for your little one, the kitchen will make them a plain pasta with parmigiano.
Mexican
Chupacabra Latin Kitchen and Taqueria
“Started with a truck,ended up in Northeast DC.”
- 822 H St NE
- Lunch and dinner
- Counter service, indoor and outdoor seating
- http://www.chupacabradc.com/
What Makes It Good for Kids?
Kids tend to love Mexican food and Chupacabra has their favorites: chips and guac, chips and queso, tacos and quesadillas.
Neighbors Say:
“Chupacabra is also agreat option, especially during the months when you can sit outside. The menuis simple and accessible, and you can control what goes in the food for pickyeaters.” –Maria
District Taco
“Our mission is toserve quality Mexican (Yucatan style!) food that is fresh, simple and healthy.All of our food is made fresh daily from quality ingredients.”
- 656 Pennsylvania Ave SE
- Breakfast, lunch and dinner
- Counter service; indoor seating
- https://www.districttaco.com/
What Makes It Good for Kids?
District Taco offers customizable tacos, burritos, bowls andquesadillas, made from healthy, fresh ingredients. The tables are spacious.
Neighbors Say …
“This is ourkid-friendly favorite! Great kids’ menu, lots of high chairs, crayons and achalk wall. And the stink eye level is non-existent.” –Barbara
H Street Country Club
“Peculiar, ingenious andthe only of its kind. Mexican food, award winning drinks, roof deck and theonly bar with indoor mini golf.”
- 1335 H St NE
- Brunch/lunch (weekends) and dinner (Tuesday-Friday). Closed on Mondays.
- Table service, indoor seating
- http://www.hstcountryclub.com/
What Makes It Good for Kids?
H Street Country Club is a 21+ establishment, but itwelcomes kids from 11:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. for Saturday brunch and before 7 p.m.Sunday through Friday. Play mini golf, basketball hoops, skeeball, shuffleboardand more.
Neighbors Say …
“We are regulars! Itgets a little overrun with 20-something boozy brunchers after as early as 2p.m. and no kids later in the afternoon. But it’s a perfect place to meetfriends with no kids or other families who want a casual brunch with adultbeverages and minimal chaperoning of elementary age kids. You can’t go wrongwith mini golf, skeeball, larger-than-life Jenga, shuffleboard and Big BuckHunter! The food is perfect for little ones. I’ve been taking my 7 year oldthere for four years, no hesitation recommending it to others.” –Jenny
La Lomita
“Mexican fare, margaritas by the pitcher and a patio.”
- 1330 Pennsylvania Ave SE
- Lunch (Tuesday-Friday) and dinner
- Table service; indoor and outdoor seating
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pages/La-Lomita-Mexican-Restaurant/120041384679967
What Makes It Good for Kids?
La Lomita has kid-friendly Mexican fare and kid-friendly service.
Neighbors Say …
“La Lomita is greatfor small kids. Other diners are super cool. No crayons but great staff andsuper accommodating.” –Michelle
La Lomita Dos
“La Lomita Dos is acornerstone in the Washington community and has been recognized for itsoutstanding Mexican cuisine, excellent service and friendly staff.”
- 308 Pennsylvania Ave SE
- Lunch and dinner
- Table service, indoor and outdoor seating
- http://www.lalomitados.com/
What Makes It Good for Kids?
Friendly service and kids’ entrees under $6.
Las Placitas
“Authentic Salvadoran and Mexican cuisine.”
- 1100 8th St SE
- Lunch and dinner
- Table service; indoor and outdoor seating
- https://www.lasplacitasrestaurant.com/
What Makes It Good for Kids?
This longtime Barracks Row establishment has won many fans with its excellent, family-friendly service and generous helpings of consistently good food.
Neighbors Say …
“Las Placitas, which used to be the only restaurant for families, way back when … is awesome! We used to ask for small plates of rice and beans for our kids when they were tots and tip extra for the mess under the table. They were always welcoming and sweet.” –Satu
“Las Placitas has been our kid-friendly go-to since mine were babies. The portions are generous, so if you want to share with a child, you can, but they also have sides. The staff is incredibly nice and accommodating.” –Maria
“Las Placitas, because they actually like kids. They don’t just tolerate or condescend but consider them part of the family, which of course they are.” –Liz
La Plaza
“Vibrant venue providing Mexican and Salvadoran specialties.”
- 629 Pennsylvania Ave SE
- Lunch and dinner
- Table service; indoor and outdoor seating
- http://www.laplazamexicanwashington.com/#page-top
What Makes It Good for Kids?
Kid-friendly food and service. Margaritas for mom!
Santa Rosa Taqueria
“Chef curated traditional Mexican dishes with bright flavors and bold sauces.”
- 315 Pennsylvania Ave SE
- Lunch and dinner
- Counter service; indoor and outdoor seating
- https://www.santarosataqueria.com/
What Makes It Good for Kids?
Santa Rosa has yummy tacos and quesadillas and a casual setting.
Neighbors Say …
“For quick service, Santa Rosa has a great $5 kids’ meal with a quesadilla, beans and rice and a drink (my daughter loves their agua fresca), friendly staff, a patio or indoor seating. Great queso, too.” –Carolyn
Taco City DC
“At Taco City DC, we look for you to live the experience of Mexican food in the most delicious way possible, with the best plates and the best attention we can provide you.”
- 1102 8th St SE
- Lunch and dinner
- Table service, indoor seating
- Website
What Makes It Good for Kids?
Taco City DC offers a variety of kids’ favorite Mexican fare and attentive, accommodating service. Also: churros and flan!
Neighbors Say …
“I have to give props to Taco City. I took my 6- and 8-year-olds there and we had a great lunch. They enjoyed watching sports on TV and gobbled up queso fundido and quesadillas. The staff were extremely welcoming and accommodating. If your kids would enjoy watching sports on TV while you enjoy a margarita, this is a terrific spot.” –Allyson
Pizza
Matchbox
“Bubbling thin-crust pizzas, local beer and a cool vibe have made us the neighborhood gathering place for a fun, friendly, casual dining experience.”
- 521 8th St SE
- Brunch (weekends), lunch and dinner
- Table service; indoor and outdoor seating
- https://www.matchboxrestaurants.com/capitol-hill
What Makes It Good for Kids?
Matchbox servers are prepared for kids, and greet them with balls of pizza dough, crayons and coloring pages to play with. Kids love the pizzas and sliders.
Neighbors Say …
“We have gone to Matchbox regularly with our kids—they get dough to play with, and they love the sliders. They also enjoy their Shirley Temples (we have a routine there) while mom and dad have a co*cktail or beer.” – Satu
RedRocks
“Serving Neapolitan-style pizzas. Wood-burning oven. Twenty taps of craft brews. Rooftop patio.”
- 1348 H St NE
- Lunch and dinner
- Table service, indoor seating
- https://www.redrocksdc.com/location/redrocks-h-street/
What Makes It Good for Kids?
Kids love the pizza, and parents vouch for the service.
Neighbors Say …
“We’ve had nothing but great experiences at RedRocks H St!”–Jane
Seventh Hill Eastern Market
“Hand-tossed, wood-fired gourmet pizza in Eastern Market.”
- 327 7th St SE
- Lunch and dinner
- Counter service; indoor and outdoor seating
- http://7hpizzaeasternmarket.com/
What Makes It Good for Kids?
Families swarm the place for the happy hour deal, which makes a dinner out on the town with kids affordable. The pizzas are delicious.
Neighbors Say …
“It’s always packed with kids, so noise and mess aren’t an issue, in addition to the killer happy hour.” –Meg
Seafood
Hank’s Oyster Bar
“A major success sinceopening in 2005, Hank’s Oyster Bar serves New England beach fare classics.”
- 633 Pennsylvania Ave SE
- Lunch and dinner
- Table service; indoor and outdoor seating
- https://hanksoysterbar.com/capitol-hill/
What Makes It Good for Kids?
Hank’s servers put a bowl of Goldfish on the table straight away, and dinner is off to a great start. Hank’s offers a kids’ menu but you could also make a kids’ meal out of the delicious sides, which include “mac and cheesy.” Crayons are provided, too.
Neighbors Say …
“We’ve had a fewsurprisingly successful meals with our toddler at Hank’s. Goldfish, good kids’menu, plus crayons. They even have attachable high chairs for their high tops.”–Monica
Ophelia’s Fish House
“Contemporary Americanseafood where consistency in execution and highlighting the fish itself ispriority.”
- 501 8th St SE
- Brunch (weekends) and dinner
- Table service, indoor and outdoor seating
- https://www.opheliasdc.com/
What Makes It Good for Kids?
Ophelia’s is a nice neighborhood seafood restaurant withgood service and all the kid accommodations: kids’ menu, kids’ cups and crayons.
Neighbors Say …
“Ophelia’s had crayonsand a coloring page, kids’ cups and a very reasonable kids’ menu with generousportions.” –Juli
Steak
Medium Rare
“We specialize in onething: simplicity. Our exclusive culotte steak, our very secret sauce, ourhand-cut, double-fried fries, fun desserts and the best brunches.”
- 515 8th St SE
- Brunch (weekends), dinner
- Table service; indoor and outdoor seating
- http://mediumrarerestaurant.com/
What Makes It Good for Kids?
Medium Rare rolls out the paper tablecloths for kids andhangs their crayon masterpieces on the wall. MR serves just one meal: salad,steak and fries, with a smaller portion as a kids’ meal. Hot fudge sundaes fordessert. This is the favorite restaurant of my favorite teenager.
Neighbors Say …
“Delicious, affordable and perfect for kids and adults alike. Perfect when you want a ‘real meal’ instead of bar food, and totally acceptable to bring the kids—they can even draw on the brick wall!” –Jenny
